Stop Freaking Out About Trans People in Bathrooms!

It’s no secret that Ted Cruz isn’t exactly a fan of transgender people, but today he released an ad referring to a trans woman as a “grown man pretending to be a woman.” The clip uses classic “scary campaign ad” stock footage of bathrooms with words splashed across the screen, stoking fears that trans women will attack other women and girls in bathrooms with impunity.

It all sounds very scary, doesn’t it? Well, it's supposed to. The topic of which bathroom trans people should use has gotten wildly overblown—and the media is partly to blame. As anti-trans laws pop up in North Carolina, Mississippi, and other states, the one question supporters keep asking is, “Are you in favor of grown men sharing restrooms with little girls?” Let's be clear: No one is arguing for that.

I’m a transgender woman. When you look at me, you see a woman. When you ask for my identification, it says “female.” When you ask what’s in my pants, well, that’s simply not your business.

The point is, if I were to walk into a men’s room today, everyone would think, “Why is there a woman in here?” I shouldn't have to be put in that position.

Why is Ted Cruz so worked up? Well, it may have something to do with Donald Trump, who said in a recent interview that he'd be fine with Caitlyn Jenner using whichever bathroom she preferred if she was in Trump Tower. Trump was just saying he'd follow New York City law, but Cruz is eager to attack Trump in whatever way he can—in this case, a hate-mongering ad.

Why is it that every time we start talking about trans issues, all anyone can talk about is bathrooms?

Despite all the fear that non-discrimination laws help sexual predators, there's zero proof that this scenario is true. These laws have been in effect in over 17 states and more than 200 cities, and there has not been a single incident of a man assaulting a woman and then claiming to be a transgender woman as his defense. It is, frankly, ridiculous.

Regardless of how you feel about politicians' opinions on trans issues, one thing is clear: This election is crucial to trans people’s continued safety. The GOP platform continues to support laws like the discriminatory one passed in North Carolina, without any legitimate reason.

What I hope people like Ted Cruz come to realize someday is that they've been fighting an invisible monster fueled by self-manufactured fear. The truth of the matter is that we’re a country of rights, and one of the most cherished ones is the right to privacy. Trans people should be able to access bathrooms without being asked for proof of their gender, asked about their genitals, or treated like criminals. Trans people should not have to “out” themselves just to make other people comfortable.